Together We Can Unlock 15000 for Wildlife Forensics

September 18, 2025

Together We Can Unlock 15000 for Wildlife Forensics

Greetings!

At Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, we know that protecting wildlife is not only about patrols in the field, but also about what happens in the courtroom.

That is why our wildlife forensics laboratory plays such a vital role. By testing confiscated ivory, rhino horn, bushmeat, pangolin scales, snares, and poisoned carcasses, we provide the scientific evidence that helps prosecutors secure convictions against wildlife criminals. Without this evidence, poachers and traffickers too often walk free.

But forensic testing is expensive. Each sample we analyze – whether it is to determine the species, origin, or cause of death – carries costs for equipment, reagents, and highly skilled staff. These costs quickly add up, and yet, they are indispensable for ensuring justice for wildlife: they are indispensable for building the long-term strength and capacity needed to sustain this fight.

We have some great news!

An anonymous donor has pledged $15,000 to support our black rhino genetics work – a vital project developing the same cutting-edge SNP panel technology we pioneered for lions. To unlock the full match, we need to raise an additional $15,000 for our wider wildlife forensics programme, supporting all species. That means every dollar you give will be doubled, powering critical genetic tools that fight wildlife crime and strengthen conservation for the long term.

This time, your gift can go twice as far.

We cannot do this alone.

Will you help us unlock this vital donation?

Your gift today will help us:

Offset the high costs of forensic testing for use in court.
Strengthen cases against poachers and traffickers, ensuring accountability.
Protect threatened species by making sure the law works in their favor.

Will you stand with us in delivering justice for wildlife? Real impact is measured in outcomes – and as you’ll see from the story below, together, we’re achieving them.

Proof of change: Big Win for Collaboration as VFWT Contributes to Major Wildlife Forensics Effort in Angola

In June this year, the VFWT laboratory forensics team was excited to be invited to be part of a collaborative effort supporting a major wildlife crime investigation in Luanda, Angola. Working alongside experts from TRACE Wildlife Forensics Network, SANBI, Malawi CVL, and UNODC, the team assisted in the analysis of a significant seizure of mixed wildlife products that included elephant ivory, rhino horns, pangolin scales, and several large cat teeth. The analysis was done to identify the species and to infer the geographic origin of the elephant tusks. The exhibits were processed in Luanda and then given back to the Angola Government.

Working collaboratively to help other countries counter wildlife crime through forensics helps all of us regionally. It helps to protect biodiversity and it helps us understand more about where wildlife products originated, what routes were used, and which people were involved. VFWT continues to strive to use science-based forensics technology to counter wildlife crimes.

VFWT’s vital work in assisting such pivotal regional crime investigations is an example of the direct tangible results you help deliver.

Every contribution, no matter the size, directly supports the fight against wildlife crime and helps ensure that science stands up for wildlife in court.

Thank you for being part of the fight.